More stories

  • in

    Tammy Abraham set to spark Premier League transfer scramble with Roma forced to sell ex-Chelsea ace to avoid rule breach

    ROMA are reportedly ready to sell Tammy Abraham to avoid Financial Fair Play sanctions.The Serie A side had hoped to win the Europa League and qualify for the Champions League and claim the riches that would have followed.
    Tammy Abraham could reportedly be sold by Roma this summerCredit: Getty
    He has scored 36 goals in his two season in ItalyCredit: Getty
    However, defeat to Sevilla in a penalty shootout left the plans in tatters.
    And now Roma are set to spark a transfer scramble for Abraham by listing him on the transfer market, according to The Telegraph.
    The Italian outfit will accept a transfer for the “right price” in an attempt to “break-even” a rule that they had already broken and been fined for by Uefa.
    Roma signed Abraham, 25, for £34million from Chelsea in 2021, and the report claims that the club is optimistic about recouping a large portion of that fee.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    The English striker has experience on the national stage with England as well as in the Premier League and the Championship.
    In his two years in Italy, he has managed to notch 36 goals.
    However, this season has been less fruitful for the striker, as he has only netted nine times in all competitions.
    Abraham will not be short of suitors from the Premier League as he proved to be quality striker at the level.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
    Clubs such as West Ham, Everton, Crystal Palace and Tottenham could all be on the hunt for a new striker this summer.
    And if Abraham is available for a reasonable fee for Premier League sides, it would seem an attractive option.
    Abraham has previously admitted that he is happy in Italy, as he said on Uefa.com: “I’ve become more confident and have learnt a lot about myself.
    “At Chelsea, I was known as ‘the academy player’, and I think coming here I’ve realised it’s time to bring out my personality and show the world what I can do.
    “It’s been an amazing experience learning about a different culture and seeing a different area of life.
    “It’s something I’ll treasure even more looking back when my career has finished.”
    If he is still happy to continue his career in Italy, then he could look for a club in Serie A, such as Inter Milan.
    The Italian giants are set to lose Romelu Lukaku once his loan spell expires while Edin Dzeko is approaching retirement and Abraham could be a smart move. More

  • in

    Premier League legend looks unrecognisable at daughter’s 15th birthday meal

    THIS ex-Liverpool star and Champions League winner looks almost unrecognisable as he dines out for his daughter’s birthday.A gifted forward in his day, this ex-Prem ace even won the PFA Young Player of the Year award in the 1999-2000 season.
    The former Liverpool star with his daughter celebrating her birthdayCredit: Instagram
    The former Prem star now sports a grey beard, but has maintained his shoulder length hair well into his post-playing days.
    He represented many teams in the top flight, including Leeds, Liverpool and Galatasaray.
    And now well-wishing footy fans across Europe have come together to congratulate his daughter on her 15th birthday.
    The ex-Red in question? Harry Kewell.
    READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
    Kewell joined Liverpool in 2003, and went onto play for the Reds until 2008.
    In doing so, Kewell became the only Australian-born player to win the UEFA Champions League, starting in Liverpool’s win over A.C. Milan in 2005.
    The forward then moved to Galatasaray and went into coaching after formally retiring in 2014.
    Kewell amassed nearly 60 international caps, and was voted Australia’s Greatest Footballer in a poll taken in 2012.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
    Kewell was a regular starter for Liverpool between 2003-2008Credit: Getty
    Kewell married soap actress Sheree MurphyCredit: https://www.instagram.com/harrykewell10/
    Last summer, Kewell joined Celtic as part of the first-team coaching staff.
    Celtic player James Forrest praised the impact the former Liverpool player has made at the club.
    Forrest said to Celtic TV: “Definitely for myself; I think he has helped me really early on, at the start of the season”.
    The Premier League legend has also previously taken charge of Crawley, Notts Country, Oldham and Barnet.
    The dad-of-four is married to English soap star Sheree Murphy, whom he met at a Leeds nightclub in 2000.
    Kewell made 273 Premier League appearances, scoring 57 goals and providing 38 assists.
    Kewell clearly still has love for the Beautiful GameCredit: https://www.instagram.com/harrykewell10/ More

  • in

    Leeds eye Rob Edwards and Regis Le Bris as new manager while drawing Marcelo Bielsa-like long-term plan after relegation

    LEEDS are keeping tabs on Luton boss Rob Edwards and Lorient manager Regis Le Bris as they target a quick return to the Premier League.The Whites were relegated to the Championship following a heartbreaking end to a turbulent campaign that saw them getting thrashed 4-1 by Tottenham at Elland Road.
    Leeds are keeping tabs on Luton boss Rob Edwards after his Championship triumphCredit: Rex
    Leeds are also interested in Lorient boss Regis Le Bris amid an impressive Ligue 1 seasonCredit: AFP
    But the Yorkshire giants are determined to turn a leaf with a long-term project, similar to the one they drew up once Marcelo Bielsa took over in 2018.
    Leeds will start by hiring a new manager to replace Sam Allardyce on a permanent basis.
    SunSport understand club chiefs have drawn up a shortlist of potential candidates, which includes Edwards and Le Bris.
    The Welsh tactician stood out this season after leading Luton to the Premier League by beating Coventry on penalties in a dramatic Championship play-off final.
    Read More on Football
    Edwards led a fairytale campaign that saw Luton finishing third in the Championship before booking their place in England’s top flight for the first time since 1992.
    Le Bris has also shone bright in Ligue 1 during his first ever season as a senior manager.
    Lorient are currently 10th in the table under the French tactician and could climb up to ninth – that’s just 12 months after they barely avoided relegation under his predecessor.
    The Ligue 1 outfit’s former academy coach impressed with his attacking football that saw his team climbing to second place behind Paris Saint-Germain at some point throughout the campaign.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    SunSport revealed that Leeds players want Allardyce to stay despite failing to keep them up.
    The likes of Brendan Rodgers and Steven Gerrard have also been previously mentioned as potential candidates.
    Rodgers and Gerrard are free agents after their departure from Leicester and Aston Villa respectively. More

  • in

    Leeds owner ‘offers up Elland Road as COLLATERAL’ for bank loan to complete Sampdoria takeover

    ANDREA RADRIZZANI has reportedly offered Elland Road as collateral to acquire a bank loan to complete the takeover of Sampdoria.The Leeds owner is interested in taking over the Serie A side and intends to use the stadium as security for a £26million bank loan.
    Andrea Radrizzani has reportedly used Elland Road to secure a bank loanCredit: PA
    The ground has been Leeds’ home since 1919Credit: PA
    The loan is thought to be used to complete a takeover of Serie A side SampdoriaCredit: Getty
    The Athletic have reported that Radrizzani and his company, Aser, and a bidding partner, Gestio Capital will use the loan to fund their buyout of Sampdoria.
    The Genoa-based club has one more game to play in the Serie A season, but its bottom-placed finish has already been confirmed after a poor campaign on the pitch.
    Radrizzani missed Leeds’ final game of the season against Tottenham, which saw the club relegated from the Premier League after a three-year stay.
    The Yorkshire side is majority owned by the Italian businessman but a minority stakeholder, 49ers Enterprises, are thought to be in talks to take control of the club.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    Radrizzani has agreed to purchase the Italian club but less than a day later, it was learned that for Italian bank Banca Sistema to agree to the loan, it would be secured against Elland Road, which UK company Elland Road Ltd controls.
    The stadium has been the club’s home since it was founded in 1919 and it is likely the usage of it to buy another club would anger fans.
    In an email to The Athletic, Radrizzani wrote: “What Aser Ventures does with its assets which include several companies including Leeds United, Greenfield and Elland Road… it’s none of your business.
    “You can do what you want but you are just trying to put Leeds United fans against myself. It is not nice.”
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
    And he refused to respond when asked directly if he had used Elland Road as security to secure the bank loan.
    The Italian bought the stadium six years ago, and any potential future purchase of the club would include the historic venue, but that now that seems in doubt.
    After the club’s relegation following the 4-1 defeat to Tottenham, Radrizzani wrote in a statement to fans: “I find it very hard to find the right words to say.”
    He then added that “Change was needed.
    “We need a clear strategy to continue our vision for the club and work is underway to produce this which we hope will be reflected in some key appointments in different areas of the club.” More

  • in

    Three ways Mason Mount could fit into Man Utd line-up as he ‘agrees personal terms’

    MANCHESTER UNITED could have three different options to deploy Mason Mount in their line-up next season as they close in on signing the England star.Mount has been strongly linked with a departure from Chelsea after refusing to extend his contract, which runs out next year.
    Mason Mount looks to be set to join Man Utd this summerCredit: Getty

    It emerged yesterday that he has reportedly agreed personal terms with Manchester United and the playmaker is now expected to join Erik ten Hag’s team this summer.
    The 24-year-old is determined to leave Chelsea and the club won’t stand in his way – although the West Londoners will try to secure as large a fee as possible in order to avoid losing him for free in 2024.

    Now excited United fans, who are still hoping that they can land No.1 transfer target Harry Kane from Tottenham to lead their attack, are wondering where Mount will fit into their side.
    As the attacker has shown in the past for both club and country, his versatility makes him an attractive option.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    And that means that he will be able to fit into a number of positions.
    Mount could easily slot into a midfield three which would be the envy of most other Premier League clubs alongside Brazilian Casemiro and Portugal star Bruno Fernandes.
    That would certainly be a tantalising prospect for the Stretford End, especially if they can secure Kane’s signature and he lines up in front of them.
    Mount has also played in the No.10 role just behind the main striker, which may lead to him providing the ammunition for the likes of Kane or Marcus Rashford.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS

    Even if the Spurs ace fails to make the move this term, Mount could then be deployed further forward.
    Rashford could perform the role as main striker, with Mount and Antony either side of him.
    United have also “held talks” over signing forwards Rasmus Hojland and Randal Kolo Muani if they can’t prise Kane away from Spurs.
    And they are also in the market for a new goalkeeper with Dean Henderson set to leave and doubts persisting over David De Gea’s form.
    The Red Devils are ready to pay Portuguese keeper Diogo Costa’s £65m release clause this summer, according to reports.
    Ten Hag warned long-term stopper De Gea this week that he won’t be guaranteed the No1 spot next season, even if he signs a new contract.
    Costa is the man earmarked to provide that competition for the Spaniard – or even replace him.
    And he may be lining-up in goal behind the rest of them once next season gets underway. More

  • in

    How Tottenham could line up under Postecoglou with 33-goal Japan star replacing Harry Kane

    ANGE POSTECOGLOU is on the verge of taking charge of Tottenham.SunSport revealed this week that the north Londoners have all but finalised a deal to install the Celtic chief as Antonio Conte’s replacement.
    Ange Postecoglou is on the brink of taking charge of TottenhamCredit: GETTY
    The Greek-born Aussie could be announced as the new Spurs chief as early as next weekCredit: ALAMY
    Postecoglou is set to replace Antonio Conte as permanent managerCredit: AFP
    The imminent appointment of Postecoglou has Spurs fans already thinking of who the Greek-born Australian will bring to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
    And SunSport is on hand with a potential starting XI for the north Londoners under the Aussie.

    Wholesale changes to the under-performing side which led to the dismissal of TWO managers this season are expected this summer.
    And the major overhaul would begin in goal as Hugo Lloris is set to leave north London this summer following an error-filled season.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    Fraser Forster is expected to retain his place in the starting XI, provided Spurs can’t get their hands on Brentford stopper David Raya.
    Spurs will likely play a 4-3-3 formation under Postecoglou – which is good news for their current crop of defenders.
    Pedro Porro will likely be deployed at right back, with Cristian Romero and Clement Lenglet playing at centre-back.
    And Udinese’s Destiny Udogie will play at left back should his proposed move to north London come to fruition.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
    Pierre Hojbjerg will likely anchor the three-man midfield with Oliver Skipp and Rodrigo Bentancur.
    Heung-Min Son will be a dead cert to start on the left of a three-pronged attack, with Dejan Kulusevski in contention to start on the right once his loan deal is made permanent.
    The Postecoglou era at Spurs, however, is unlikely to include skipper and club legend Harry Kane.
    England international Kane is expected to leave the club in the summer after nearly 20 years of service and SunSport understands Manchester United are hot on his heels.
    Postecoglou, however, won’t have to look far to replace the Tottenham icon.
    How Tottenham could line up under Ange Postecoglou
    The 57-year-old could very well opt to raid his soon-to-be former club for prolific Japan international Kyogo Furuhashi.
    The 28-year-old ran riot for the Hoops last season, scoring a whopping 33 goals in all competitions.
    So he could prove to be a cheap option to replace Kane through the middle.
    Possible Tottenham starting XI under Postecoglou: Forster; Porro, Romero, Lenglet, Udogie; Hojbjerg, Skipp, Bentancur, Son, Furuhashi, Kulusevski More

  • in

    Sheffield Wednesday ace Barry Bannan calls ex-Premier League star ‘absolutely f***ing honking’ in X-rated video

    SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY star Barry Bannan told Rhian Brewster he was “absolutely f***ing honking” as he launched an X-rated blast at the striker.Brewster was caught on camera recently at Sheffield United’s promotion parade in the Steel City leading supporters in a derogatory chant about their neighbours.
    Barry Bannan has slammed a Sheffield United rival in a viral clipCredit: Twitter/@_The72
    The Sheffield Wednesday star called Rhian Brewster ‘absolutely f***ing honking’Credit: Getty
    The 23-year-old, a £23.5million signing from Liverpool in October 2020, and his team-mates are preparing for a return to the Premier League after United finished runners-up in the Championship.
    And as the squad and their fans partied, he grabbed the mic to lead them in a song by first asking: “What do you think of Wednesday?” 
    That led to a loud response of “s***” to which he followed up with: “What do you think of s***?”
    He then proceeded to sing “We hate Wednesday, we hate Wednesday” as the mass crowd followed suit.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    Meanwhile, Wednesday and their supporters are still celebrating their first promotion in a decade after beating Barnsley at Wembley in the League One play-off final.
    The Owls took to the streets in Sheffield for an open-top bus parade through a sea of blue and white fans.
    And much-loved Bannan took the opportunity to hit back at Brewster after clips emerged of him joining the club’s fans for a celebration in and across town last night,
    The Scottish midfielder, 33, was handed the microphone in one venue, and as the crowd hushed, he said: “Rhian Brewster, you’re absolutely f***ing honking son.”
    Most read in Championship
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Brewster, who fired England to U17 World Cup success in 2017, bagged ten in 20 appearances during a loan spell in the Championship with Swansea to earn his move to United.
    But the former Liverpool ace has scored just five goals in 63 appearances for the Blades since.
    Meanwhile Bannan, who has been at Hillsborough since 2015, has further cemented his hero status amongst the club’s faithful with his outburst.
    The ace, who turned down several opportunities to leave after they were relegated in 2021, was lauded on social media.
    One fan tweeted: “Atta boy, my captain. Warra bloke.”
    Another said: “Loool. To be fair it’s poor that Brewster’s most notable contribution for £20million is on a microphone.”
    While another commented: “That’s my captain!” More

  • in

    Play Dream Team Single Game Survivor alongside Saturday’s FA Cup final – £2000+ prize pot!

    Manchester City continue their quest for a historic treble this weekend when they take on Manchester United at Wembley in a blockbuster FA Cup final.Pep Guardiola’s side, who recently retained their Premier League crown, will undoubtedly start as favourites but the Red Devils will be supremely motivated to spoil their neighbours’ party.
    And let’s not forget, Erik ten Hag and his men have already lifted a trophy at the home of English football this season – they beat Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final at the end of February.
    To celebrate this weekend’s marquee fixture, we’re running a special edition of Single Game Survivor with a prize pot of £2,000+ up for grabs!

    PLAY SINGLE GAME SURVIVOR NOW! £5 ENTRY FOR OUR FA CUP FINAL SPECIAL – £2,000+ PRIZE POT

    Credit: DREAM TEAM
    What is Single Game Survivor?
    Single Game Survivor takes its inspiration from our Classic Survivor Game.
    In Classic Survivor, you pick a Premier League team to win each week. They win, you survive; they don’t, you’re out.
    And it’s exactly the same principle with Single Game Survivor (or SGS as it’s more snappily known), except that in this game you submit predictions relating to specific match events.
    Most read in Football
    Get your predictions right as the game goes along and you’ll survive; but get them wrong and you’re out.
    The pleasant twist? You get two lives to play with!
    How do you make picks in SGS?
    Ahead of the FA Cup final, we’ll serve up some questions for you to consider. Such as:

    Which team will score first?
    Which of these four players will have a shot on target first?

    And so on.
    Win these mini-battles to keep yourself alive!
    Credit: DREAM TEAM
    How do I win money in SGS?
    Now for the good bit.
    You get two chances to win in SGS, with the first cash prize coming if you survive until half-time.
    If your sharp football instincts help you survive until full-time, you take a share of the prize pot that remains.
    Why should I play SGS?
    QUICK MONEY With our two chances to make money – half-time and full-time – you might win money in just 45 minutes!
    TWO LIVES You get not one, but two lives as you chase down the cash!
    BEAT THE REST Test your knowledge against our thousands-strong community
    LIVE EXPERIENCE See your rivals eliminated and the prize pool increase during the match
    What’s the best way to follow SGS?
    Follow along live with us!
    Sign-in to your account and track all the key moments via our live tracker to see how they affect you and your rivals.
    You’ll also be able to see how the cash pot rises as players get knocked out!
    Good Luck!
    Read More on The Sun
    To celebrate this weekend’s marquee fixture, we’re running a special edition of Single Game Survivor with a prize pot of £2,000+ up for grabs!

    PLAY SINGLE GAME SURVIVOR NOW! £5 ENTRY FOR OUR FA CUP FINAL SPECIAL – £2,000+ PRIZE POT More